Vodka infused with black peppercorns is super easy to make at home using your favorite brand. It can be used in many cocktail recipes with a Bloody Mary as the obvious choice, Try it in a martini or a Dalmatian (grapefruit and vodka, known as a greyhound, becomes a Dalmatian when you substitute with black peppercorn vodka).

The first recipe takes a minimum of 7 days to infuse and up to 30 days for maximum potency. If you want, divide a 750 ml bottle of quality vodka and experiment by making both recipes.

recipe 1: black pepper vodka {7 day minimum option}

Slightly crack the peppercorns using a morter and pestle or plastic bag:. place in a plastic bag, remove the air, seal, and give it a few whacks with a rolling pin or the bottom of a pan.

Add the peppercorns to the vodka and move to a cool, dark place for one week. Every few days, stir or give it a few swirls in the bottle to combine. After 1 - 4 weeks, pour it through a fine mesh strainer to remove the peppercorns ~ pour into a sterilized glass jar or bottle with a tight lid.

recipe 2: black pepper vodka {al la minute option}

This recipe can be prepared "al la minute," meaning prepared and served immediately. Less than 7 seconds as compared to a minimum of 7 days for our first recipe.

Add 1 drop of black pepper essential oil to a 750 ml bottle of vodka. Gently stir or shake and taste. A second drop may be added for more intensity.

Measuring tip: Sometimes it can be difficult to get just one drop from the essential oil bottle. If you are concerned about adding too much essential oil (and overpowering your vodka), try this BEFORE you start infusing:

Pour some of the vodka into 2 or 3 shot glasses. You have three tries to dispense accurately: one drop in one shot. Start with one infused shot. Add to the 750 ml bottle of vodka. Gently stir or shake. Taste.

Repeat if you would like more intensity. When it's just right, add any remaining vodka from the shot glasses.

health benefits

Black pepper essential oil contains important antioxidants, maintains healthy circulation, and may soothe anxious feeling when diffused or inhaled straight from the bottle.

Be sure to use pure, therapeutic grade essential oils for any recipe or use internally. Please contact Joan to find out where to buy the only essential oil brand she trusts for herself and her family.

authors

Joan LucciJoan is a Wellness Advocate, culinary artist, social media and marketing consultant, and has worked in the natural foods industry. She holds a BS interior design and a BA communication. Click here for Joan's bio.

Derek Werner, PhD, CSDerek is a Wellness Advocate, writer and performance coach, and certified sommelier. As a writer, he has published works on subjects ranging from golf to wine to science-fiction and was a staff writer and script editor for television and feature films. Derek earned his PhD from Northwestern University. Click here for Dr. Werner's bio.

Adreana GarciaGuest writer and media services and photography intern.​Click here for more about Adreana.

are you a blogger?Are you passionate about essential oils and think you might enjoy writing about the healthy Santa Fe lifestyle that we promote at santadotfe, please email Joan at joanlucci@gmail.com.